Clear Communication

Talking to Your Doctor

Resources from NIH

More and more, today's patients are playing an active role in
their health care. Patients and doctors work closely together to
achieve the best possible level of health care. An important part
of this partnership is clear communication. Asking the right questions-and
obtaining quality information about prevention, diagnosis, treatment,
and recovery-help ensure safety, prevent errors, and improve health.
For example:

Sharing questions about prescriptions can prevent taking
too much or too little medicine

Being honest about symptoms can help doctors order the right
tests and make the right diagnoses

Clear instructions after an operation or hospital stay may
be the difference between complete recovery or re-injury and
relapse

Taking along a family member, friend or caregiver to help you
communicate with your doctor can help. So can writing down your
questions or concerns in advance of your appointment. NIH offers
several publications that can also help promote meaningful interactions
between patients and doctors.